Eagle Feather Honoring Ceremony for Fr. Susai Jesu, OMI
Sunday, November 4th 2018, was a joyful day at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples here in Edmonton. An Oblate priest and pastor of this parish, Fr. Susai Jesu, was honored with an Eagle Feather by the community at a ceremony conducted by seven prominent elders.
The honoring ceremony took place during the 11:30 am Mass which is designated as Mass for the First Peoples. Just after the introductory remarks, the elders walked in procession toward Fr. Susai who stood right in front of the altar. Standing before the altar, one elder explained to the faithful why they were honoring Fr. Susai. He stated that “Although Fr. Susai has been in this parish for a very short period of time, he has shown a great interest in the culture of the First Nations People especially in his ability to speak Cree language.” He further said that Fr. Susai has “won the hearts of many people since he came in this parish.” Above all, Father Susai was honored because he has recognized and involves the Indigenous people in the running of the parish especially by the formation of a Parish Pastoral Council which was not in existence for a long time. He said that the “First Nations people have now a say in the running of this parish.”
At the end of the ceremony, the feather was carefully wrapped in a red cloth and placed on the altar for the entire Eucharist. Two more feathers were then tied to the brand-new traditional altar cloth that one of the Indigenous parishioners had crafted and donated to the parish.
This event was for me another important learning moment as I continue immersing myself in ministry as well as in the culture of the Indigenous people here at Sacred Heart Church. I have learned the Eagle feather is highly revered in the Indigenous culture and a symbol of high honor, trust, and wisdom among other virtues. It is also the belief of the people that eagles have a connection with the divine and the Great Spirit, Meyosit Manito. As a result, to honor a priest with an eagle feather carries a significance recognizing that priest as connected to the Indigenous culture and spirituality of the people.
Let us all pray for Father Susai and for the success of God’s ministry here at Sacred Heart Church of the first Peoples. We hope the feather he now carries will be a constant reminder of his place in the hearts of the parishioners here.
By Bro. Eugene Mule, OMI
